Sure, American Express underwrites the Tribeca Film festival, and Visa underwrites the Olympics, but let’s say your business is slightly smaller. Is underwriting an event and getting involved with local charities and arts organizations doable and worth it?
In a word, YES!
Why partner with local not-for-profits?
1. It raises your visibility with an audience you’ve chosen.
2. It’s good for the community. There’s less public sector money for charity, so we all need to pick up the slack.
3. Your clients will appreciate it, the charity will promote, you and you’ll build a relationship that can only help your business.
You’re probably thinking, it’s too expensive. I don’t have time, it’s not worth it. Partnering with a not for profit is easier than you think.
For as little as $50 you can become a coastal partner of Group for the East End. Spend more than $50 and you’ll get your logo on their website. Gail Rothwell can tell you a thing or two about supporting The Retreat. She’s organized Shop at Sunset which allows lots of retailers to support this event. c/o Maidstone has been supporting Guild Hall since they opened their doors, MCC Builders just underwrote their Conversations with Culinary Celebrities series, (makes sense for a high end builder that does beautiful kitchen renovations) and Landscape Details is also underwriting their Garden As Art Tour. (We don’t need to explain why this one makes sense.) Oh, and Main Beach supports Paddlers for Humanity.
Suffolk Bank supports WPPB, ARF, and countless local organizations. This reinforces their image as the local bank in Suffolk County. Just this summer, BMW and Porsche of Southampton have supported Bay Street, WHBPAC and Guild Hall, a great way to reach their well heeled clientele. Bridgehampton National Bank supports the Children’s Museum of the East End,which is a great way to reach out to local families… the list goes on and on!
Full disclosure, Landscape Details, MCC, SCNB and BMW of Southampton are all b+f clients, so we know what they’re up to. The point is, if your company wants to reach a specific target market, building an alliance with a not-for-profit is a great way to do it. So support the arts, the animals, the environment or whichever group resonates with you and your prospects. Give and ye shall receive.
